Elk Hunting Colorado

luster · 11-08-2010, 11:04 AM

I am wanting to go elk hunting next year bad. I have wanted to for a long time. I do not know a thing about it to be honest. I would be hunting public land. When would be the best time? During the rut or wait till the late rifle season and kill a cow elk?

Howler · 11-08-2010, 11:23 AM

First, decide which weapon you want to use, that will determine when you hunt. IF you're not set on using a bow, rifle, or ML, then you can decide if you want to hunt during the rut, or before or after the rut. Bascially, archery season begins before the rut and runs clear into the rut period, ML is during rut, and most rifle seasons are post rut period but could still hear some bugles during the early rifle season.

IMO, there is no best time, any time in elk country is a good time.

Big Uncle · 11-08-2010, 12:41 PM

Check out the regulations on the DOW website. You will need a hunter safety course. Where and how you plan to hunt will probably give the answer to the question of when.
The better bull areas in CO require an accumulation of preference points, but there are plenty of areas that are OTC. A cow tag can be drawn fairly easily in almost any unit, even the premium units. If it was my first time, I would go for a cow and learn about elk country.

salukipv1 · 11-08-2010, 06:33 PM

Are you from CO?

NM, and WY are two other states to consider, although any elk state is something to consider.

Bow hunting in the rut is alot of fun, you get to chase them/hear them, I would assume success rates tend to be lower, but shooting any elk and shooting a big bull are two different hunts.

luster · 11-14-2010, 08:54 AM

I wish I lived out west. I am stuck in South East Missouri. I said Colorado because its closer than Wyoming and the other states. I am open to any state with elk hunting. Would I be able to get a cow tag this late into the season in one of the states? If I am not mistaken Colorado has a cow only season that runs through December..

huntingcamera · 11-15-2010, 12:55 AM

wish you good luck

genesis27:3 · 11-19-2010, 09:14 PM

You cant beat hunting the rut if the elk arent call shy.

Big Uncle · 11-20-2010, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luster

Would I be able to get a cow tag this late into the season in one of the states? If I am not mistaken Colorado has a cow only season that runs through December..

While it may be possible to get a late season cow tag, this is mostly (if not completely) a private land hunt.